Zyona Lee, left, and Cole Thompson of Ms. Stockdale's third grade class share a story at Midway's Author's Tea. A long-time Midway tradition, the Author's Tea, held most months throughout the school year, allows students to celebrate their written work with family and friends.

The Miss Camden Scholarship Program will hold an informational meeting for any young woman wanting to compete for Miss Camden 2014 or Miss Camden Teen 2014, Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce, 607 South Broad St., in Camden.

In these difficult economic times, many counties -- Kershaw County included -- find it difficult to fund necessary items for law enforcement and public safety employees. Fortunately citizens frequently come to the rescue and donate their hard earned money to help meet the equipment needs of our law officers.

Camden Middle School (CMS) sports some new trees, thanks to participating in the second Green Apple Day of Service on Saturday morning. Planting began at 9:30 a.m. on the front lawn of the school along the driveway entrance.

Mrs. Josephine Roach-Hudson, 88 of Brooklyn, New York, formerly of Lugoff died Monday, September 23, 2013. She was the daughter of he late Melton and Nicey Roach of Lugoff. Plans will be announced by Collins Funeral Home.

Parents often say to me, "Camden's got nothing for kids." Suggestions and solutions reference skating rinks, bowling alleys, swimming pools, and sports tourism facilities. Some people believe the activities in question should be free.

It has been a frustrating year for all Kershaw Countians and Americans who believe that compromise is the building block of decent government, as our divided officials in Washington have had blinders on and have refused to acknowledge any position but their own. And now we find ourselves in a government shutdown that benefits nobody. (By the time you read this, perhaps the stalemate will have been broken, but it could go on for an extended period of time.)

Landon Marlow, Brady Baird, and Ashton Johnson enjoy "reading buddy" time at Wateree Elementary School. Students in Mrs. Linda Poeta's kindergarten class and Mrs. Carol Bowling's fourth grade class meet weekly to read stories together. This special time fosters a love and excitement for reading for these Kindergarten children and for their 4th grade buddies.

Community members are invited to learn more about the Kershaw County School District's facility needs at a series of public meetings being held later this month and in October. Superintendent Frank Morgan and Operations Executive Director Billy Smith will hold a series of meetings across the county to explain the district's building needs, answer questions and receive suggestions.